Chapter 34 Administering Oral Topical and Inhalant Medications

Chapter 34 Administering Oral, Topical, and Inhalant Medications Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lesson 34. 1 Medication Administration Overview Theory 1) Describe the legal and professional responsibilities of the LPN/LVN related to medication administration. 2) Identify all of the parts of a complete medication order. 3) Compare and contrast the hard copy medication administration record (MAR) and the electronic medication administration record (e. MAR). 4) Discuss the types of technology used in hospitals and their effect on medication errors. 5) Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the unit -dose system and the prescription system. Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 2

Lesson 34. 1 Medication Administration Overview Clinical Practice 1) Recognize the different types of medication orders (e. g. , scheduled or routine, PRN, stat, and one time). 2) According to the facilities policy, identify the times used for scheduled medications (i. e. , daily, BID, TID, and QID). 3) Demonstrate the accounting for doses of controlled medications that must be withdrawn from the locked narcotics cabinet or dispensed from an automatic dispensing unit. Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 3

Nursing Responsibilities in Medication Administration Be accurate during all steps of medication administration Follow exactly all procedures related to medication administration Report any error promptly Interpret the medication order correctly, then give the correct medication to the patient Make an assessment of the patient after medication has been administered Follow the Six Rights of medication administration Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 4

Routine or Scheduled Medication Orders Maintain desired level of medication in the bloodstream, often given several times a day Physician’s order will specify how often the medication is to be given Three times a day (tid), every 4 hours (q 4 hr), etc. Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 5

PRN Medication Orders Some PRN medication orders specify when or how often the medication can be given hs PRN, meaning “hour of sleep as needed” Ø q 4 hr PRN, meaning “as often as every 4 hours as needed” Ø Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 6

One-Time (single) and Stat Medication Orders May consist of more than one drug or may involve spacing drops or tablets over a short period Stat orders indicate that the order has top priority and medication must be administered without delay Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 7

Renewal Orders Many hospitals have medication policies limiting the time for which certain types of medication orders are valid Opiate analgesics generally have a 48 - or 72 -hour limit Ø Sedatives and antibiotics may have a 5 - or 7 -day limit Ø A 30 -day limit may be imposed by some agencies on all medications Ø Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 8

Orders by Protocol May exist in specialty units such as the emergency department, labor and delivery, or intensive care units Students must be able to recognize an emergency situation and immediately report it to their instructor or charge nurse Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 9

Dosages Dosages may be ordered in the metric system (most often used) or in the apothecary system Nurses must be able to calculate the dosage in either system Nurses must be able to convert from one system to the other Checking conversions with another nurse may prevent medication errors from conversions Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 10

Routes of Oral Medications PO (per os [by mouth])—solid or liquid medications (oral, sublingual, buccal) or via feeding tube Patients with difficulty in swallowing may need pills crushed or changed to liquids Medications that should not be crushed: Ø Sublingual medications, enteric-coated medications, and sustained-release preparations Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 11

Routes of Topical Medications Applied in the form of: Drops (eye or ear) Ø Ointments, pastes, or lotions Ø Rectal suppositories Ø Transdermal medication • Should be applied to a hairless area Ø Inhalants Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 12

Medication Administration and Technology Improve medication administration safety Computerized physician order entry systems (CPOE) Ø Bar code scanners Ø Prescriber directly enters the medication order in the computer; this decreases potential for transcription errors Scan the medication package and the patient ID bands Smartphones and mobile devices Personal digital assistants Ø Download and upload specific patient information to a PDA that is connected to the larger hospital information system Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 13

Medication Administration Systems Three types: Ø Stock supply of medicines Ø Individual medication system Ø Unit-dose method Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 14

Unit-Dose System Provides premeasured, prepackaged, prelabeled dose Safest because dose prescribed is dose dispensed May be dispensed from mobile cart, or the fixed medication preparation center Benefits Pharmacy supplies the exact dose of medication ordered Ø Saves time for the nurse Ø Patient is charged only for medications used Ø Allows keeping a minimum amount of drugs on the nursing units Ø Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 15

Figure 34 -2: Unit-dose medications Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 16

Prescription System Prescription is written for each drug ordered and is filled by the pharmacist, who provides individual containers holding doses for several days In the long-term care facility, a week’s or month’s supply of each medication is often provided in a bubble pack Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 17

Preparation of Oral Controlled Substances from a Dispenser A controlled dispensing system is used for distributing opiate analgesics and hypnotics Legally controlled substances must be under lock and key Automated controlled substance dispensing machines are often used in the clinical setting to monitor and control narcotic use When not in a dispensing machine, drugs are supplied in a controlled dispenser or a commercially prepared package Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 18

Figure 34 -3: Nurse obtaining medication from automated dispensing unit Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 19

Question 1 Which medication system is most commonly used in health care agencies? 1) 2) 3) 4) Stock supply Individual prescription system Unit-dose method Pharmacy profile Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 20

Question 2 Narcotic orders are good for how long before a physician in a hospital setting must renew them? 1) 2) 3) 4) 24 hours 48 hours 4 days 1 week Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 21

Lesson 34. 2 Medication Administration Principles, Documentation and Patient Teaching Theory 6) Summarize four principles to be followed when giving a medication through a feeding tube. 7) Analyze special considerations when administering oral and topical medications to an older adult. 8) Evaluate your responsibilities in the event of a medication error. Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 22

Lesson 34. 2 Medication Administration Principles, Documentation and Patient Teaching Clinical Practice 4) Prepare and apply topical medications such as eye ointments, eardrops, nasal medications, transdermal patches, and topical ointments. 5) Write a care plan for a patient who is receiving medication that includes patient-specific data, an identified nursing diagnosis, and interventions that you would use. 6) Give oral and topical medications using the Six Rights of Medication Administration. Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 23

Lesson 34. 2 Medication Administration Principles, Documentation and Patient Teaching (con’t) Clinical Practice 7) Teach a patient to use a metered-dose inhaler. 8) Instill a vaginal and a rectal suppository safely and effectively. 9) Document medication administration and your patient’s response to therapy. Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 24

Topical Drugs Common forms of topical drugs include ointments, creams, pastes, liniments, and lotions that are used to treat local conditions Suppositories are small cylinder-shaped, semisolid substances that are inserted into body orifices and contain medication that is absorbed through mucous membranes Medications can also be dissolved in solutions and applied topically in the form of irrigations Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 25

Application of the Nursing Process Nurses must question unclear, incomplete, or ambiguous medication orders Complete drug orders must contain: Full name of the patient Ø Name of the drug and how it is to be given Ø Dosage to be given and route of administration Ø Date, time, and signature of the prescribing physician Ø Determine how nursing diagnoses are related to each prescribed medication Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 26

Application of the Nursing Process (con’t) Plan and incorporate times for medication administration into the daily work schedule Check the label three times and follow the Six Rights of medication administration when preparing any medication Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 27

Oral Medication Oral drugs may be supplied as tablets, capsules, spansules, lozenges, gelcaps, caplets, oral powders, tinctures, emulsions, and liquids Any water that is used must be entered on the intake sheet if the patient is on intake and output recording Pour the dose into a graduated medicine cup when preparing liquid medications Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 28

Figure 34 -4: Reading the dose prepared at the meniscus of the liquid Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 29

Eye and Ear Medications Ophthalmic (eye) medications may be in the form of drops, ointment, or eye disk The word ophthalmic must be clearly visible on container Otic (ear) medications are usually administrated as drops or irrigation Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 30

Figure 34 -5: Straightening the ear canal for otic drops Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 31

Nasal Medications Come in atomizers or dropper bottles Have patient block one nostril and inhale through nose as atomizer is squeezed Drops should be administered with patient lying on the back with neck hyperextended while medication is dropped into the nostrils Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 32

Figure 34 -6: Instilling nose drops (Proetz’s position) Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 33

Inhalation Medications May be administered through a nebulizer, spray, or atomizer to penetrate the lungs Metered-dose inhaler: prescribed amount of medication is administered in each spray; it is held in front of the mouth and medication is inhaled as the inhaler is triggered May require a spacer for effective use Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 34

Figure 34 -8: Using a metered-dose inhaler Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 35

Vaginal Medications Used to: Cleanse the vagina for surgery Ø Reduce bacterial growth Ø Remove odors and discharge Ø Apply heat or cold to inflamed tissues Ø Absorb medication into local mucosa Ø Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 36

Figure 34 -9: Inserting vaginal medications Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 37

Rectal Medications Dispensed in the form of suppositories; used to: Prevent vomiting Ø Soothe hemorrhoids Ø Prevent bladder spasms Ø Promote bowel evacuation Ø Reduce fever Ø Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 38

Figure 34 -10: Inserting a rectal suppository Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 39

Topical Skin Medications Supplied in the form of lotions, ointments, creams, and patches, can be applied to the skin Should be applied to clean, hairless area and left in place Transdermal medications are supplied in a sustained-release patch that is applied to clean, dry, hairless skin and left in place, or as a paste that is spread on a small area of skin. Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 40

Administering Meds via Feeding Tube If patient unable to swallow meds Meds in liquid form best Tablets can be used if place in liquids Do not mix meds with formula or tube feeding Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 41

Medication Errors All medication errors must be reported An incident or occurrence form is filled out for the medication error After notifying the physician, orders are carried out to safeguard the patient The goal is to prevent harm to the patient from the error and to prevent similar errors from happening again Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 42

Question 3 Paige is getting ready to administer eardrops to a 2 year-old girl. When administering eardrops, it is important to remember to: 1) 2) 3) 4) pull the earlobe downward to straighten the canal. pull the earlobe upward to straighten the canal. pull the earlobe toward the back of the head to straighten the canal. None of the above Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 43

Question 4 Allison is getting ready to administer her patient’s medication through a feeding tube. Which types of medications cannot be crushed or administered through a feeding tube? 1) 2) 3) 4) Buccal, sublingual, and liquid Liquid, sublingual, and enteric-coated Sublingual, enteric-coated, or sustained-release Liquid, sustained-release, and suppository Copyright © 2018, 2014, 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 44